Prince Harry spends night in cold chamber

Updated at: 09/17/2013 6:35 AM
By:

(AP) LONDON - Prince Harry has spent the night in a giant freezer to simulate the conditions he will face when he treks to the South Pole in November.

The 29-year-old royal, who will race with a team of injured British servicemen and women against groups from the United States and the Commonwealth, spent around 20 hours in a cold chamber where he was subjected to temperatures of -35 Celsius (-31 Fahrenheit), with wind speeds of 45 miles per hour.

Alongside four teammates _ all amputees who lost limbs after sustaining injuries in Afghanistan _ Harry tested the clothing he will wear on the 200-mile (320-kilometer) expedition and learned how to avoid frostbite.

When asked Tuesday what the worst part of his overnight experience was, Harry joked: "Going in."

The challenging expedition is set to begin in late November and is expected to last about 15 days. The teams plan to trek between nine and 12 miles each day.

Actors Alexander Skarsgard from the "True Blood" series and Dominic West of "The Wire" will also participate in the race.